The Jamaican Epilepsy Association was founded in 2002 by Nora Perez and is a registered non-profit organization (NGO), funded by donations and fundraising events. The mission of the association is to improve the lives of persons with epilepsy in Jamaica and to make a positive difference through epilepsy awareness and first aid training. This Association is the only one of its kind in the English speaking Caribbean.

Special events are usually planned worldwide in more than 120 countries in observation of the day. Every year, people come together to celebrate and highlight the problems faced by persons with epilepsy, their families and caregivers.

The celebration of Epilepsy Awareness Day encourages conversations between the public and the Jamaican Epilepsy Association with members sharing their experiences. The Association is planning activities to highlight this medical condition.

Epilepsy is not contagious…. You cannot “catch it”!

Anyone at any age can develop epilepsy

Epilepsy is not caused by possession of demons

Epileptic seizures will not cause a person to swallow his/her tongue.

One of the biggest concerns for persons with epilepsy (PWE) and their families living in Jamaica is how it affects day-to-day life. Epilepsy does not only affect the person with epilepsy alone but it affects how they make a living. Coping with epilepsy is different for everyone. Most persons with epilepsy are unable to find employment; therefore they are unable to purchase their medication(s).

The Jamaican Epilepsy Association Member Care Project helps persons with epilepsy to purchase the correct amount of medication(s) needed. Medication for this medical condition can range from two to three or even four to six different combinations of medications and can cost from $12,000 to $45,000 per month per person. While there is no magic formula about how to live with epilepsy, taking medication(s) on time and as prescribed is very important and vital in controlling seizures. Epilepsy is manageable with the correct medication, diet and lifestyle.